Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Explained

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy helps children manage their body movements and pain through non-invasive physical treatments. Massage, strength training, fitness routines, and specialized exercises are all common approaches in physical therapy.

The objective of physical therapy is to improve a person’s well-being. The treatment is considered successful when a child with cerebral palsy completes a task or participates in an activity that they could not do before.

It’s typical for children with cerebral palsy to undergo regular physical therapy for many years, as treatment helps throughout many stages of development. Because physical therapy can help with every stage of development, early intervention improves quality of life sooner. It also eliminates challenges that worsen over time, such as underuse of impaired limbs.

“Physical, occupational, and speech therapies give patients more autonomy, progress at school academically and socially, and hope of a successful future.”

– Katie Lavender, RN

What Is Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy?

Physical therapy can be used to reduce or even eliminate many of the symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy can improve a person’s self-reliance and quality of life by focusing on:

• Motor control
• Strength building
• Better balance and coordination
• More flexibility

Pediatric physical therapists focus specifically on children and are well-versed in the physical needs of young, growing bodies. These therapists also often feel strongly inclined to help special needs children and their families.

All physical therapists hold a master’s degree in physical therapy, but some also choose to specialize in cerebral palsy treatments. Physical therapists can become experts in cerebral palsy therapy through internships, additional education, and hands-on experience.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is most helpful when training parts of the body that are weak due to unintentional neglect. Many children with cerebral palsy will focus their movements on the stronger part of the body, making the other areas weaker than they would otherwise be if used consistently.

Common symptoms of cerebral palsy that can be improved with physical therapy include:

• Weakened muscles
• Muscle asymmetry
• Lack of balance
• Favoring one limb over the other
• Poor motor control
• Sensory challenges
• Limited flexibility

For children living with cerebral palsy, each of these symptoms can be reduced with strategic treatment.

The exact goals of physical therapy will change over time. From birth to age four, physical therapy focuses on movement, positions, self-soothing, play, and feeding. Therapists prescribe specific activities to help young children gain strength and improve function.

Physical therapy for patients ages 5 to 12 focuses on growing bodies and minds. Walking, posture, and mobility are key focus areas during this time, along with personal hygiene, play, and socialization. At this age, adaptive equipment may be introduced to help patients thrive. Lifestyle habits formed during this time tend to stick for life, so fitness routines and overall health are also a priority.

Adults with cerebral palsy do not tend to require as much physical therapy. Still, they may work with a therapist on a semi-regular basis to maintain healthy fitness routines and address new challenges at work or at home. Pain management, energy conservation, and environmental improvements may also become focus areas.

Physical Therapy Exercises and Techniques

Physical therapists use many exercises and techniques to treat symptoms of cerebral palsy. Recent research has shown that it greatly benefits children with cerebral palsy and calls for increased use.

Bimanual Performance Training

Physical therapy is often used to improve bimanual performance—using both hands and upper limbs equally. Patients with hemiplegia (paralysis in one side of the body) respond particularly well to this type of therapy.

One common form of bimanual performance training is constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), in which the stronger part of the body is completely restrained, forcing a person to use the less favored part. Over time, this helps rewire the brain to stop favoring the stronger side and recognize both limbs as reliable options.

Historically, neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) was also used to improve hemiplegia. However, this treatment isn’t as effective as other forms of therapy and is becoming less popular.

Cerebral Palsy Strength Training

This type of training can improve muscle strength in underused limbs when performed regularly. Strength training may include traditional weight lifting and resistance training, or it may be modified to suit a person’s limitations.

While the short-term benefits of strength training are seen relatively quickly, it must be maintained throughout a person’s life to retain long-term benefits. Therefore, most physical therapists will develop appropriate strength training routines that should be maintained.

In the past, there was concern that resistance training would increase spasticity. However, decades of research have proven otherwise, and resistance training is now considered a safe treatment option.

Equine Therapy

Children with spastic cerebral palsy are sometimes treated with equine therapy, where horseback riding is used to improve muscle symmetry. Horseback sessions tend to be short (under 10 minutes). It is believed that the horse’s movement helps balance and stabilize muscle activity.

In addition to the physical benefits, many children love horses and enjoy riding them.

Reactive Balance Training

Reactive balance training may help children and adults improve balance control. These exercises often involve standing on platforms or uneven surfaces. It has proven helpful for children with spastic hemiplegia and diplegia (paralysis affecting the limbs on both sides of the body).

Physical Therapy at Home

Physical therapists typically note exercises and routines to be performed at home. Parents can support their children’s development by following the prescribed activities and making time for them within their daily routines.

Working with a physical therapist through at-home sessions can also improve short- and long-term results, and has a notable impact on their quality of life.

Financial Compensation for Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can be the result of preventable injuries at birth. If that’s the case, financial compensation may be available to help cover the cost of physical therapy and special needs care.

Working with an attorney experienced in cerebral palsy cases can help you get the legal compensation you need. Contact Birth Injury Justice Center today at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review right now.